Small Grants
In response to community feedback, the Small Grants Fund was started in 2020 to improve equity of access for smaller nonprofit organizations that have not received Levy funding in the past.
2025-26 small grants funding round
After a competitive funding process, 12 new small grants totaling $2.6 million were awarded in June 2026, with funding for three-year grants scheduled to begin July 1, 2026. Grants will go toward after school academic support, early childhood visits, farm-based education and food, and a variety of mentoring activities. All 12 organizations awarded small grants will receive PCL funding for the first time.
Current grants
The Allocation Committee in November 2020 approved $1 million total for seven small grants, with Portland City Council approving the funding a month later.
The initial three-year grants started in January 2021 and were then renewed through June 30, 2026. Small grants currently range from $20,000 to $70,000 annually. Funded programs must support Portland children and families in one of the Levy’s six program areas. Multiyear grants support grantee partners to build capacity within their organizations and develop trusting relationships with children and families over the long term, leading to more positive outcomes. Nearly all small grants also feature disability inclusion goals to better serve children with disabilities.
“These extraordinary, community-based organizations, and new PCL partners, will provide hope and resiliency to the next generation by serving children, youth and families from marginalized communities, individuals with intersectional identities, and those with disabilities,” said Councilor Dan Ryan, chair of the Allocation Committee. “We are pleased to support their work and their missions. Congratulations all.”
The Small Grants Fund process included guidance from a six-member volunteer Design Team, multiple community conversations with small organizations, and culminated in an application review process with a dozen community members.
PCL publishes annual performance reports on funded programs each year.